The colorful Ford Mustang

By John Boyd

Photo: Stephen Finerty

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This April 15, 2004 file photo shows Carroll Shelby sitting on a 1968 GT500 KR during the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang at the Nashville Super Speedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. Shelby, the greatest single influence on America's racing posture in the post-1945 period with help in the engine design and racing operations of the Mustang, died May 10, 2012 at the age of 89.

This April 15, 2004 file photo shows Carroll Shelby sitting on a 1968 GT500 KR during the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang at the Nashville Super Speedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. Shelby, ... more

Ken Adams, 52, was born in San Francisco, has lived his whole life in Northern California, currently resides in Gilroy and works in the agri-business industry in Salinas. He has been racing since 1997, and his previous vintage cars include a '66 Mustang, a '66 Shelby and an '87 Thunderbird NASCAR. His favorite track is Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Here he stands next to his 1969 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am race car.

Ken Adams, 52, was born in San Francisco, has lived his whole life in Northern California, currently resides in Gilroy and works in the agri-business industry in Salinas. He has been racing since 1997, and his ... more

Photo: Stephen Finerty, Photograph By Stephen Finerty -

Ken Adams, 52, was born in San Francisco, has lived his whole life... Photo-2896418.72654 - Houston Chronicle

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A Ford Mustang GT Shelby is shown during the opening day of the Seattle Auto Show. Photographed on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center.

A Ford Mustang GT Shelby is shown during the opening day of the Seattle Auto Show. Photographed on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

A Ford Mustang GT Shelby is shown during the opening day of the... Photo-5331158.72654 - Houston Chronicle

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"It has no airbags and no headrests and none of the creature comforts we have in modern cars. I may in the future succumb to air conditioning, and as a concession to safety I have installed three-point safety belts. Other than that, it's perfect just the way it is."

"It has no airbags and no headrests and none of the creature comforts we have in modern cars. I may in the future succumb to air conditioning, and as a concession to safety I have installed three-point safety ... more

Photo: Stephen Finerty

"It has no airbags and no headrests and none of the creature... Photo-5053814.72654 - Houston Chronicle

Racecar features like rally stripes have made their way into commercial car design such as on this update of the Shelby Mustang, which was originally developed in the 1960s by racing icon Caroll Shelby.

Racecar features like rally stripes have made their way into commercial car design such as on this update of the Shelby Mustang, which was originally developed in the 1960s by racing icon Caroll Shelby.

Photo: Courtesy Of Ford

Racecar features like rally stripes have made their way into... Photo-2325064.72654 - Houston Chronicle

President Barack Obama sits inside a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 during his visit to the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, Tuesday, Jan., 31, 2012. At right is Gerard Murphy, president of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association.

President Barack Obama sits inside a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 during his visit to the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, Tuesday, Jan., 31, 2012. At right is Gerard Murphy, ... more